Kevin Germanier, a young Swiss designer, has taken the fashion industry by storm after his outstanding contribution to the Paris Olympics. “While the fashion industry often demands a polished look, I consider myself more of a modern-day Dr. Frankenstein, constantly experimenting with different materials,” Germanier explained. He was the genius behind the dazzling Golden Voyager costume worn during the closing ceremony, crafted from an abundance of recycled video tapes and adorned with hundreds of pearls, his cherished childhood toys.
Before this Olympic achievement, the 32-year-old had already established himself as a favorite among fashion elites, known for his playful and retro aesthetics alongside his incredible expertise in haute couture. Designing the costume for dancer Arthur Cadre, while maintaining confidentiality for nine months, was described by Germanier as “the experience of a lifetime.” This statement still resonates with him as he showcased his Spring/Summer collection at Paris Fashion Week on September 24.
“It provided me with the largest platform I have ever had,” he said, visibly awed by the experience weeks later. Vogue referred to his otherworldly creation as “the most remarkable costume of the ceremony,” igniting conversations across social media with its striking resemblance to a whimsical creature—part wasp, part mosquito, part firework.
Germanier embodies the spirit of upcycling, turning unused fabric and leftovers into beautiful creations, motivated by both passion and the necessity to innovate. His journey into this realm began during an internship in Hong Kong, where he discovered bags of pearls damaged by sunlight. “Upcycling transcends simply finding vintage items; it involves transforming discarded materials into extraordinary pieces,” he articulated.
This philosophy was ingrained in him from a young age, learning from his mother and grandmother in Granges, Switzerland, who preferred mending clothes over purchasing new ones. Their influence paved the way for Germanier’s acceptance into Central Saint Martins, London’s premier fashion school.
During his time there, he primarily worked with dull colors. However, as he prepared for his final exam, having secured a job at Louis Vuitton, he decided to embrace vibrancy, declaring, “You must let it shine!” Since then, this Swiss designer, typically dressed in black, has embraced a vibrant color palette.
In the world of fashion, he maintains a lighthearted perspective: “We’re not aiming to solve major global issues; we design dresses that sparkle with sequins and feathers.” His creations have caught the eye of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.
Yet, he remains realistic, emphasizing that fashion is fundamentally a business. “You need to identify products that will be marketable,” he added. His current best-seller is a charming baguette bag made of multicolored pearls.
Germanier’s aspirations go beyond accessories; he has been enlisted by LVMH for a “secret” project aimed at optimizing their waste. He dreams of leading a prominent fashion house like Dior, where he believes he can truly influence change in the industry. While he enjoys transforming waste into beauty, he asserts, “As long as I’m creating, upcycling will remain part of my work. But if it ever becomes unenjoyable, I will walk away.”
